How to Get Rid of Age Spots on Your Face

by Jaimie Zinski

Otherwise known as liver spots or solar lentigines, age spots are those little brown, gray or black discolorations that are an unfortunate part of getting older. According to the Mayo Clinic, age spots most often occur on your face, shoulders and arms because they are commonly exposed to the sun, and because they're harmless, they require no treatment. However, it's possible to fade and even eliminate the age spots on your face with a number of prescription, homemade and over-the-counter remedies.

Apply a skin-lightening product directly to the age spots. After washing your face with a product formulated for your skin type, apply a small amount of an over-the-counter product containing hydroquinone, glycolic acid, kojic acid or deoxy-arbutin. According to the Mayo Clinic, it might takes several weeks of applying a skin-lightening product before you'll notice any results.

Consult a dermatologist about medications that are available to fade or eliminate age spots. According to the Mayo Clinic, a combination of retinoids, a steroid and a prescription skin-lightening cream are used to gradually fade age spots overtime.

Ask a dermatologist about laser therapy to eliminate age spots. During the procedure, a laser is targeted on the age spot, effectively lightening the discoloration without causing damage to surrounding skin. According to Dr. Anne Chapas, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the NYU School of Medicine and a contributor to Oprah.com, one to two treatments are commonly required to completely eliminate the age spots, and each treatment will cost anywhere from $400 to $700.

Create a skin-lightening paste by combining 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/3 cup baking soda. Continue to add baking soda until a paste consistency is achieved. Dab the paste on each age spot and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe off the paste with a damp washcloth. Apply the homemade skin lightener daily for several weeks.

Items you will need

Over-the-counter skin-lightening product

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Baking soda

Washcloth

Tip

Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to your face daily to prevent age spots.

About the Author

Residing in Chippewa Falls, Wis., Jaimie Zinski has been writing since 2009. Specializing in pop culture, film and television, her work appears on Star Reviews and various other websites. Zinski is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in history at the University of Wisconsin.